Possible snow removal ordinance

The Three Rivers City Commission on Tuesday took a step closer to establishing a sidewalk snow removal ordinance.

After commenting on a draft prepared by city attorney Pat O’Malley, Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners directed O’Malley to document a small number of revisions and present a potential final draft at the commission’s March 4 meeting.

The issue resurfaced in January after it was brought to the commission’s attention that some students at Andrews and Hoppin elementary schools were walking in the street to and from school because sidewalks were not cleared in some areas.

Lowry and commissioners concurred that 72 hours is a reasonable amount of time to have a sidewalk cleared following the conclusion of a snow event.

Other matters, including absentee homeowners or a resident who is hospitalized during a snow storm were discussed. Commissioners agreed an absentee owner’s property must have snow cleared within 48 hours after a storm concludes.